Inktober for Homeschoolers: A Fun Way to Build a Daily Drawing Habit

If you have a child who loves to draw, October brings a perfect opportunity to encourage their creativity in a new and exciting way: Inktober. Keep reading to see what the prompts are - I've even included a downloadable version.

Inktober is a worldwide art challenge created by artist Jake Parker. The idea is simple: every day in October, artists use a prompt list as inspiration to create one ink drawing. That’s 31 drawings in 31 days! While it started as an event for professional artists, Inktober has grown into a celebration for artists of all ages - including kids. And it’s a fantastic fit for homeschool families looking for a creative daily habit that everyone can participate in together.

Why Homeschool Families Will Love Inktober

One of the biggest benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility to explore creativity through art. Inktober is a ready-made way to weave in both art and discipline without needing to plan 31 different lessons.

Here are a few reasons to try it with your kids:

• Daily drawing habit: Practicing every day builds both skill and confidence. Just like math facts or reading practice, drawing improves with repetition.

• Prompts spark creativity: Each prompt challenges kids to think outside the box. Instead of sitting down with a blank page and wondering what should I draw?, the word or idea of the day pushes them in fun new directions.

• Exploring new tools: Inktober is traditionally done with pens - a medium many kids don’t usually grab first. Using a pen builds confidence, because unlike pencil, there’s no erasing. It encourages creative problem-solving and bold mark-making.

• Quick and doable: Each drawing doesn’t need to be perfect or detailed. Even 10–15 minutes a day builds the routine and keeps art fun.

Building Confidence With Artist Pens

You don’t need fancy supplies to join Inktober! I promise that any pen and paper will do. But having a set of artist pens or multiliners can really elevate the experience. These pens are designed for smooth, consistent lines and can handle different levels of detail than a standard pen.

Some benefits of using artist pens include:

• Rich, dark ink that makes artwork pop

• Different tip sizes for fine details and bold outlines

• Smudge-resistant lines (less frustration for kids!)

If you’d like to order some, here are a few great options on Amazon that I have used myself:

• Yisan Drawing Art Pens

• Mr. Pen Black Multiliner

There are plenty of other options out there - you can just type in "black multiliner", "Fineliner" or "artist pens" and you should find many options!

How to Get Started With Inktober at Home

1. Download the prompt list: Each year, the official Inktober website shares a new list. You can print it or keep it handy on your phone. I have placed a downloadable PDF file here for your convenience:
   

   Inktober 2025 Prompt List (591 KB)

2. Set aside art time: Whether it’s during morning basket, after lunch, or as a calm-down activity before bed, pick a consistent time so it becomes a habit.

3. Keep it light: The goal isn’t perfection, it's practice. Encourage your kids to draw quickly and let go of mistakes.

4. Celebrate progress: At the end of the month, gather all the drawings and look back on how much they’ve grown!

Final Thoughts

Inktober is more than just an art challenge. This is a chance for your homeschooler to develop discipline, stretch their creativity, and build a joyful daily drawing habit. By giving them the structure of prompts and the fun of new tools like artist pens, you’re helping them grow as confident young creators.

So grab some pens, print the prompt list, and let October be a month filled with imagination and ink!